Agricultural Development Officers – Temporary Positions

Job title: Agricultural Development Officers – Temporary Positions

Company: Teagasc


Job description: Job DescriptionPost Type: TemporaryThis competition seeks to establish a recruitment panel from which temporary agricultural development officer vacancies in the Meath/Louth/Dublin Advisory Region will be filled. Once established the panel will remain in place for 12 months unless exhausted earlier.Basic Function:Agricultural Development Officers play a central role in the delivery of advisory, education and training services within Teagasc.Advisors are involved in the development of agriculture in a particular geographic region. They work closely with assigned clients to ensure the sustainable development of their farm business through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management. They deliver the advisory service to clients through one-to-one consultations, farm visits, technical workshops, farm walks, open days and discussion groups. Advisors may be assigned to roles across a number of enterprise areas (e.g. dairy, drystock, tillage) focused on delivering a specialised schemes support service as well as the delivery of a technical advisory service to clients.Education Officers are involved in delivering classes/practicals to students on a range of programmes delivered at Advisory Region level.Job ObjectivesRange of Duties and Responsibilities

• Play an active part in the development of sustainable agricultural production systems across a particular geographic area as part of a locally based advisory team.
• Contribute to and support the overall Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) that provides support to farm families engaged in agriculture and rural enterprise.
• Challenge and support farmers and clients in a nominated region by effectively using a range of advisory tools including one to one support, discussion group, short education course, demonstrations / public events / meeting activities.
• Actively promote the uptake of research and advisory tool such as Profit Monitor, PastureBase, Nutrient Management Planning and AgNav among clients
• Provide physical and financial analysis & business planning for development of farm business.
• Facilitate clients in the analysis and planning of succession and inheritance.
• Provide a specialised scheme support service to clients including BISS, TAMS, Derogations, NMPs, Cross-compliance, ACRES and other ad-hoc schemes.
• Contribute to the provision of Level 5 and Level 6 education courses at local level
• Use digital communication tools and social media in a targeted way.
• Support advisory campaigns as required.
• Support the overall profile of Teagasc in the delivery of local, regional and national events, publications and public relations.
• Represent Teagasc on various events, committees and meetings.
• Provide input and deliver on assigned objectives of the agreed business plan as part of an Advisory Region.
• Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities:

• Engage positively in the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) system and undertake self-development, up-skilling and updating through active participation in staff development and training opportunities. Take responsibility for personal continuous professional development
• Contribute to the annual business planning and risk management process for the relevant business unit.
• Provide support to other Teagasc activities as and when required.
• Continually up-skill and meet regulatory requirements to run programmes and activities under DAFM schemes.
• Take accountability for the effectiveness of the safety management system in their area of responsibility and communicate a responsible attitude to safety, health and welfare by personal example. Ensure that all processes and procedures are resourced, planned and completed without negative safety impact.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. Job descriptions will be issued with offers of appointment.

Skills RequirementPerson SpecificationEssential Criteria1. Candidates must have a Level 8 degree (as recognised on the ) in Agricultural Science or equivalent which includes soil science.OrBe in the latter stages of completing a Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Agricultural Science or equivalent which includes soil science, due to sit final exams and graduate in 2025 **2. Candidates must satisfy legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads and have access to their own vehicle.3. It is essential that the applicants’ degree qualification is eligible for Farm Advisory Service (FAS) registration. Criteria for such registration can be checked .** Offers of employment to those whose application is successful will be dependent upon receipt of confirmation of the award of the essential qualification.Knowledge Skills and CompetenciesEssentialDesirableKnowledge/Skills

• Candidates must show expert agriculture and environmental knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research.
• Candidates must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms and other enterprises.
• Candidates must stay abreast of current concepts and use effective teaching and advisory methods to impart this knowledge to clients and students.
• Candidates must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability.

• Financial analysis and farm business planning
• Familiarity with Teagasc financial management package
• Knowledge of QQI quality assurance procedures
• Underway to obtaining a Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas (CECRA)

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent analysis, numeracy, problem solving skills and decision support abilities.
• Work and project organisational skills which show pro-activity and drive.
• Focus on quality customer service and standards.
• Collaboration, team work (working with both technical and administration staff)

and leadership qualities/abilities. * Adopts an open-minded and flexible approach to work.

• Ability to prioritise multiple responsibilities, work under pressure and deliver results in a timely manner
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with an ability to teach and transfer knowledge to varying audiences.
• Understands and appreciates the importance of continuous professional development.
• Commitment to team working and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.

Expected salary: €41580 – 78830 per year

Location: Leinster

Job date: Fri, 16 May 2025 23:34:46 GMT

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